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VIETNAM/CAMBODIA - a Classic Tour with a 3 day Mekong
River Cruise
11 - 27 November, 2010
Vietnam
Overview - Cuisine
- Culture
- Geography
& Climate - History
- Gallery
Tour Overview
Vietnam and Cambodia are a logical
combination. The Mekong River links the two countries,
flowing through the jungles of Cambodia, past Phnom Penh,
Cambodia's capital, before entering Vietnam in the far
south of the country, where it finally reaches the South
China Sea. Culturally, the countries are surprisingly
different, their respective languages, cuisine and history
being quite distinct.
I've led trips to Vietnam for more than a decade, typically
with a focus on walking in both rural and urban settings.
This year, we include the classic sites of Vietnam, from
Hanoi in the north, then a cruise on spectacular Halong
Bay, then the historic town of Hoi An before heading south
to Saigon. We change the pace of the tour here and spend
three days cruising the waterways of the Mekong Delta,
to the Cambodian border, before a short river trip from
the Vietnamese town of Chau Doc brings us to Phnom Penh.
Our programme concludes with a visit to the stupendous
archaeological sites of Angkor. Throughout, I'll be leading
several walks in a range of settings in both Vietnam and
Cambodia - and introduce you to some outstanding restaurants!
This is a great area in which to eat, one of my very favorite
pastimes!!
Travel is by comfortable private vehicle, with two internal
flights. Hotels are of a very good standard. We cruise
Halong Bay aboard a deluxe sailing junk and our boat on
the Mekong is also most comfortable, featuring cabins
with ensuite facilities, a spacious dining area and pleasant
sun lounge/observation deck. In addition to me as tour
host, you'll enjoy the services of several excellent local
guides throughout the tour, who explain aspects of Vietnamese
and Khmer culture, cuisine, history and geography and
act as interpreters in those out of the way places. Such
guides bring a fantastic dimension to our experience.
This is an excellent programme for those interested in
the culture of the area, history, scenery & relaxation.
TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival into Hanoi - 11
NOV 2010
Upon arrival in Hanoi, we are transferred to our comfortable
hotel located in the Old Quarter adjacent to Hoan Kiem
Lake and the fascinating 'guild streets'.
Day 2: Explore Hanoi - 12 NOV
We head out after breakfast to explore some of the city's
most interesting sites including the Ho Chi Minh quarter,
One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. Afternoon
at leisure in Hanoi for further exploration. (B)
Day 3 & 4: Halong Bay - 13 &
14 NOV
Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam's most impressive scenic
sights. We board our comfortable sailing junk for an
exploration of the bay. It's a wonderful experience
to be spending a couple of nights on the bay - the views
at sunset are incredible. There may also be the chance
to do some sea kayaking and some walks ashore. (BLD)
Day 5: Halong Bay & return to Hanoi
then Hoi An - 15 NOV
After breakfast, we return to port and on to Hanoi,
making several stops en route, including a wonderful
old pottery village. Then, we transfer directly to Hanoi
airport for our flight to Danang where we are met and
transferred to Hoi An. This is one of my favourite places
in Vietnam and brimming with excellent restaurants and
lovely old buildings (Brunch)
Day 6 & 7: Hoi An exploration -
16 & 17 NOV
Hoi An's heritage zone has largely been restored and
is a wonderful place to wander through. There are many
cafés to check out and it is also a good place
to have clothes made up at the excellent tailor shops
(I have a tried and trusted favourite which I'll happily
show you), all within 24 hours. We'll go on an orientation
walk through the streets and laneways of the old quarter.
Past guests have always said 'they wish they had just
one more day in Hoi An' and so we have deliberately
left our second day free. There are some good bike riding
trails in the area, the beach is not far there's a really
good cookery school approached by river. The morning
market is also a riot of colour! Our charming resort
here is also very relaxing. (B)
Day 8: Hoi An to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh
City) - 18 N0V
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our
flight to Saigon. In the afternoon, we embark on a city
tour to admire Saigon's historic landmarks including
the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, the
former Presidential Palace and Ben Thanh Market. (B)
Day 9: Into the Mekong Delta - Cruise
- 19 NOV
We leave Ho Chi Minh City and drive south into the Mekong
Delta. Boarding our comfortable cruise boat, we enjoy
lunch on the upper deck as we sail upstream. Rest on
the sun deck, as the boat manoeuvres through the river
traffic of local boats and barges. The scenery along
the way is a mix of rice paddy fields, fruit orchards
and cottage industries. We enjoy a village visit, and
if you like exploring, there are opportunities for walks
in the vicinity. (BLD)
Day 10: Cruising the Mekong Delta -
20 NOV
This morning we cruise towards Can Tho, the major trading
hub and the heart of the delta. Upon arrival at Cai
Rang floating market, we board a local boat to visit
the nearby sights and gardens. We spend the night at
a lovely French colonial style resort in Can Tho - relax
by the pool or go for a walk. (BLD)
Day 11: To Chau Doc - 21 NOV
After a leisurely breakfast we transfer through the
rice paddies and rural scenes to our hotel in Chau Doc,
close to the Cambodian border. Our hotel here is very
comfortable and you may want to enjoy the hotel facilities.
If you wish, you can visit the town centre or Dave may
arrange an excursion to the nearby mountain-top temple
if guests are interested. (B)
Day 12: Into Cambodia and to Phnom
Penh - 22 NOV
We have an early morning transfer to the river where
we board the shuttle speed boat to Phnom Penh in Cambodia.
The entire journey takes around five hours and we arrive
right in the heart of the city at Sisowath Quay. On
arrival, transfer to our well located hotel. Afternoon
visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. (B)
Day 13: Phnom Penh - 23 NOV
This morning we visit the National Museum which houses
Khmer art and sculptures from different periods of Cambodian
history. In the afternoon, we learn more about the terrible
years of the Khmer Rouge in the 1970's, through a visit
to the infamous Tuol Sleng Museum 'S-21' and killing
fields. In the afternoon we visit the celebrated hill
top temple of Wat Phnom. (B)
Day 14: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap - 24
NOV
Drive northwest to rural Kompong Thom. After lunch,
we visit the ruins of the Chenla 6th century temples
(three groups of pre- Angkor temples collectively known
as Ishanapura). The civilisation here eventually gave
birth to the mighty Angkor dynasties, which controlled
much of south-east Asia including the greater parts
of modern day Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. After lunch
continue driving to Siem Reap - gateway to Angkor! (BL)
Day 15: Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Banteay
Kdei excursion - 25 NOV
Today we visit the intricately carved Khmer temples
at Angkor Wat, one of the world's most impressive archaeological
sites constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries.
Stroll around the massive hallways and discover small
shrines still in use today by the local people. In the
afternoon travel to nearby Ta Prohm, always a favourite
as it has virtually been reclaimed by the surrounding
jungle. In the afternoon, we walk between Ta Phrom and
Banteay Kdei temple. It will be a busy though very rewarding
day and for many, undoubtedly a highlight. We return
to the hotel to relax for the remainder of the afternoon.
Day 16: Day free in Siem Reap for
additional temple visits, shopping or relaxing by the
pool! - 26 NOV
As our tour comes to an end, we have included
a day at leisure to explore further the ruins of Angkor,
including Bantey Srei - located around 30kms to the
north of the main temple complex. Crafts and local textile
production are in important part of the Cambodian economy
and there are some excellent workshops to visit in Siem
Reap. The local market here is also worth a look. Siem
Reap is small enough to explore on foot, or you can
try the local moto-taxis. I'll be on hand along with
our local guide, to offer suggestions and point you
in the right direction today. (B)
Day 17: Depart Siem Reap - 27 NOV
Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred
to the airport for your onward flight. Please note,
hotel check out is midday. It may be possible to negotiate
a late check out with hotel concierge, should your flight
leave in the afternoon or evening. (B)
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Friendly Page: Vietnam
Vietnam/Cambodia: - a Classic Tour
with a 3 day Mekong River Cruise
Dates and costs
11 - 27 November 2010
Full brochure with
detailed itinerary available from Best Travels
Click
here
Price: The price, beginning in Hanoi on
18 November and concluding in Siem Reap on 04 December
is A$3990 per person on a twin share basis. Estimated
air travel from Australia is $A1400 - $1500. Single
Supplement: A$1150
Price includes: Arrival transfer,
all accommodation, local English speaking guides to
work with me, sightseeing, transport including 2 domestic
flights, Halong Bay sailing junk, Mekong cruise, private
boat trip Chau Doc to Phnom Penh, entrance fees to attractions
listed, 25 meals
Not Included: Items not included
are drinks (soft drinks and alcoholic beverages such
as beer are inexpensive), extra food, departure transfers
from Siem Reap, travel insurance and gratuities. Vietnam
Visas are $75 and MUST be arranged prior to travel to
Vietnam. Contact Active Travel (02 9264 1231) for assistance
with insurance and visas.
Accommodation: We use comfortable,
well located hotels with en-suite bathroom. Hot water
and western toilets are standard facilities in Vietnam.
Our deluxe cruise boats on Halong Bay and the Mekong
have twin-share cabins with ensuite facilities
Food: This is a major highlight
of travel in Vietnam and we include a total of 25 meals
(including all breakfasts) on this tour. I have a good
selection of restaurants and dining options to choose
from, based on 10 years of travel in Vietnam. Additional
meals are inexpensive compared to Australian restaurant
prices. Dinner, with an entrée and main plus
a few drinks ought not to cost more than $A20-25. Typically
much less.
Flights: The cost of your air travel
is not included simply because there are so many changes
taking place right now (MAY 10) with specials and promotional
fares. Singapore Airlines have fares for around A$1400-1500.
Other airlines options exist and you may extend your
stay in Asia. Contact Active Travel (02 9264 1231) for
the latest updates and deals.
Documentation: Trip notes, itineraries,
country background information and other documents will
be sent to you around 21 days prior departure.
What next?: Time is short and my
escorted travel programmes normally sell out so please
register your interest ASAP with me in order to secure
your place. A deposit of A$500 per person is required
with final payment due mid September.
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